Doing Life!

We've been really busy "doing life" in our new town!

Here's a quick re-cap of what we've been up to!  (when I had my camera)

 Last week we had some friends over for dinner at our condo.  I am proud to say that I actually cooked the entire meal and also made pumpkin pie and baked banana chocolate chip muffins.  Three points for me being domestic! 

 Last Saturday was the local Race for the Cure and we were proud to join the R family in support our mutual friend, Leslie, who is currently in KY battling breast cancer.  We made posters and cheered for the runners!

Here we are out early and ready to go!  We were so excited for the runners to come by!  The R family's porch was the perfect place to spectate!

If I were a runner and these cuties were cheering me on, I would definitely be motivated to do well!  They are just too cute!

This was the first runner who came by!  He was fast!

 More participants for the cure!  Some of the costumes were very creative!

Definitely sister teamwork!  Love it!

Fun at the park!

Couldn't you just eat them up?!  They are THAT SWEET!  Love these kiddos!

I have scored some major deals this week!  It all started Sunday afternoon when we just had to pick up a few things from the grocery.  I noticed some large bottles of detergent clearanced for only $3 each.  I knew it was a deal, so I bought 3....that should last a few months!  Then a couple days later I saw the exact same thing in another store priced for $12.97!  Oh yes, pure excitement!  There must have been a major overstock where shelves needed to be cleared and I'm thrilled to have lucked out on this savings!

I also found some amazing deals for a few clothing/accessories this week!  Seriously, I am pumped!  For about $25 I scored two shirts, a dress, a purse, a pair of sandals, and a lip gloss!  Thankyouverymuch!

Our move has made us realize that we needed more file storage space.  Nothing too fancy and basically something we could easily store in a closet.  I kind of dreaded this purchase because I knew the last time we bought a file box it was between $15-$20, which in my opinion is ridiculous for molded plastic.  So you can imagine my surprise yesterday when I found these regularly priced for $24.99 each, on sale for $9.99 each....combine a $10 off coupon and a $4 rewards certificate......guess who scored these babies for about $3.50 each!  Deals like these make filing fun!!  (Too much?)

We decided to dine at our local Quizno's last night (yes, I had a coupon!) so we rode our bikes there!  I caught this picture when we were stopped waiting for traffic to clear for our crossing.  However, the true story was that my husband was biking while holding a drink in one hand and talking on the phone in the other!  Hello, Mr. Superdupercoordinated!  Long story short, before I took this picture I had to find a trash can for my drink because it was just too complicated and my safety was definitely at risk. (I kid, I kid......well, kind of)

 Here we are on our bike route after eating at Quizno's! 

And this picture sums up why my alarm clock went off at 4AM this morning!  I joined with 10 other ladies from Seacoast Church to take breakfast to a shelter downtown.  Amazing group of women!  Love them!

And here's my Thursday Bible Study group!  There are actually multiple classes being held at the same time each Thursday, but this is the group I study God's Word with each week.  I have definitely been challenged (in a good and growing way) by these women. 

 

 

Except today I didn't join the ladies for study and instead spent some time with the 1-3 year old kids while their mommies were in class.  Talk about a confidence boost!  I was exhausted by the time it was over, but just imagine 3 hours of being hugged and loved!  Seriously, they are precious and I love them dearly!  We had 12 in our group today and I am excited to say that we played with dolls, cars, and balls, read books, practiced our colors and animal noises, watched (and sang to the tunes) Veggie Tales, sang "Jesus Loves Me," and I even made a few imaginary phone calls on the pretend cell phone to let grandmothers know that their grandchild was having so much fun today and is such a great kid!  (I definitely dig their huge imaginations!) 

Tonight Josh and I played tennis at the park and had fun with that!  I'm quite exhausted to say the least, but that's a good thing because we're having so much fun!

With love from Charleston!

Favorite Charities

I've never before linked to Kelly's Korner Show Us Your Life, but Friday's topic was one that's very near and dear to me -- favorite charities.  I was gone over the weekend so this is late, but nevertheless a very good topic to discuss.  As a self-proclaimed nonprofit guru, this topic is one that I am quite passionate about; therefore I'll probably add more info than just list my fave charities.  This is a very personal matter to me and it is close to my heart, however I decided that I would share since I am sometimes a source to others for nonprofit guidance and conversation.  I focused both my Bachelors and Masters studies on nonprofits, therefore I have quite a few ideas on charitable organizations and charitable giving.  While my career as nonprofit professional is bittersweet, I do have a sincere interest and love for organizations and causes that do good work.  In fact, I have chosen one of my 2010 life verses as Galatians 6:9 -- "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." 

First and foremost, Mr. P and I firmly believe in giving first to our local church as we are instructed in Malachi 3:10 -- "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse....."  While I do not believe that a tithe is required for salvation, it is absolutely necessary as an act of obedience to God.  I am thankful that Daddy taught me this since I was a young child.  I was full of lots of questions and thankfully I have many memories where he and Mom thoroughly explained and modeled this behavior so that I would grow up to own it for myself.

We also support Compassion International where we sponsor Arvin, a teenage boy who resides across the world in the Phillippines.  The funds are used to help Arvin in whatever ways are needed -- whether it be food, clothing, supplies, or educational activities, and most importantly our contribution allows him and other children to hear the word of God and learn about Jesus.

Christian Family Radio is a local radio station here in BG that I listen to regularly and depend on to keep me on track in my Christian faith.  We show our appreciation by giving donations every once in a while.  I rely on this radio station for encouragement, to hear praise and worship songs, for the daily scripture, and to keep my perspective on track.  For those in the BG area, you can tune in at 90.7.  CFR airs a morning broadcast of Focus on the Family that will often be on during my morning commute.  The topics are varied but they have strengthened me as a Christian and are a great way to start the day.  Sometimes I will further research the broadcast topics and it is a great challenge to me, therefore we periodically offer support. 

Mr. P is an alumni of Western Kentucky University and we are season ticket holders for men's basketball.  (This year has been less than desirable, but on a positive note -- there's always room for improvement!)  We support the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation and its efforts to provide scholarships to student-athletes at WKU. 

In college I volunteered at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Lexington (KY) and absolutely loved it!  This experience led me to choose a career in the nonprofit industry.  SHC is an amazing organization with a wonderful mission.  They treat young patients (0-18 years) who have orthopedic problems, all at no cost to the patient.  In addition to the orthopedic hospitals, there are also a few burn hospitals to treat children with burn injuries (which are often very serious and so sad).  What a great organization doing great things for these kids and their families!

We are each thankful to have had the opportunity to receive a college education and in the future when finances allow, we will help others to get a good education.  Once this time comes (hopefully soon) we plan to give to our own programs, the WKU Department of Engineering (Mr. P's) and UK College of Agriculture (my "home!"). 

I actually have quite a few other organizations that are worth mentioning, however I will not go into that for this post.  It's probably obvious that I do not take this topic lightly.  However, I have to be careful that my nonprofit career does not get in the way of me being a "cheerful giver" since I am very picky when it comes to the organizations I choose to support.  Like many others, I want to know that my contributions are being used wisely and centered around the mission of the organization.  Unfortunately some organizations and those claiming to support particular organizations are not reputable, so I am very cautious of that.  There are some ways to double-check a nonprofit, such as sites like Guidestar.  My best suggestion is to know the organization and what it does and how it makes a difference.....it's important for it to be a mission you believe in and are passionate for.  One thing that I should point out is that I do not question about giving to the local church whatsoever.  That is not only because I have trust in my church of choice, but also because I know that everything I have is God's and I'm merely the steward.  Therefore, I try to be a good one!

Believe it or not, I have only scratched the surface on this topic because I have loved it, lived it, and studied it for several years now and I have so much more to say!  However, I will spare you more details and instead I will welcome you to ask my thoughts about the nonprofit industry or we can chat about it if you're interested.  I know, I know......not everyone cares about this just like there are many topics that I do not prefer!

"I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak.  And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
(Acts 20:35)
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UPDATE:  I got so into my post last night, I failed to mention the nonprofit I work for -- American Red Cross of South Central Kentucky.  I was not very familiar with this organization prior to working here, but I fully believe in the mission of this great charity.  And I can assure you that funds are used very conservatively -- we have an extremely high rate of dollars used to directly benefit those we serve.  It's often hard to separate myself between a "giver" and an "employee" but every once in a while we do give support to the local chapter because I have seen the benefits provided to the community and the people we serve.  It is a common misconception that the American Red Cross is a government organization, however it is not.  The American Red Cross is a 501c3 organization that relies on support for our community, which makes things hard very often.  Unlike many other ARC chapters and other local charities, we are not supported by organizations like United Way. 

While Greek organizations often receive criticism for excessive partying and "buying your friends," there are many great components to being involved in a fraternity or sorority.  I loved my days as a UK Alpha Gamma Delta girl and I became proud of our philanthropy events where we raised money for Juvenile Diabetes Research and the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation.  We also supported other Greeks in their philanthropic endeavors, which encompassed many great causes.  Greeks are dependable and a great resource for those of us who work in nonprofits -- they can put on one heck of a fundraiser and they are also great volunteers!  I have enjoyed working with WKU's Fiji fraternity as they have raised money for our chapter through a rivalry run -- talk about some dedication!  (Yet another bonus to Greek organizations as well as other youth groups....their parents will often support the cause as well!)  :)

I should also mention that it's fun to get involved in fundraising events for charities.  With my Leadership Bowling Green group, we completed a service project which we did for BRASS (Barren River Area Safe Space), a place for women and children to flee from domestic violence.  We had a great time raising money and putting in labor to help with some much needed renovations.  Our LBG group also recently "bowled for kids sake" in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Kentucky, where we raised money from sponsors.  Next year we plan to participate in Community Education's Spellabration event.  We have also attended the Family Enrichment Center's Funniest Kids Around show, which was one of the most entertaining evenings I've had in quite some time!  There are great ways to get involved and give back, whether through time, money, ideas, participation or a combination of all.  For sporadic opportunities, check local news for upcoming events.  From wine tastings (the SCKY Red Cross Wine & Cheese Tasting Fundraiser will be held on June 24 at Lost River Cave!), black tie affairs, to silly competitions (the Polar Plunge just occurred last week for Junior Achievement, for instance), there are great opportunities to see how awesome your community is and how when everyone gives a little, so much can be accomplished!

Okay that's all......I will be quiet now! :)

The Joys of January!

I thought that January was supposed to be a slooooow month that's full of lots of "nothing."  

However, January has been a busy month for Family P!  

We started off celebrating the new year in not-so-warm-and-sunny Florida.  Although the temperatures were less than desirable, we had a great vacation and also celebrated two amazing years of marriage!

Mr. & Mrs. P on Vaca in Florida......the first time I've ever worn a North Face jacket on the beach!

We returned home to even colder temperatures, but enjoyed celebrating Papa's 81st Birthday.

Papa and Mom on his Birthday!

We also had a great time getting back together with my LBG Class for a social at Mariah's.

A few members from the great LBG Class of "09!

Then a snow came that nearly closed down Bowling Green!  Just kidding, but that's how we react to the Winter weather around here.  And I'm a perfect example -- I believe the world should stop til Spring!

Our snow-covered home

Then we celebrated MLK weekend (although I was the only one who actually had a work holiday on that Monday) in Banner Elk, North Carolina as we skiied Sugar Mountain.  Mom, Daddy, Keeton, Jason, Josh and I traveled together and had a great time -- with lots of yummy food too!

 

*Excuse the hodge-podge of pictures.....I did a terrible thing when I was "playing" with my new camera.  Long story short, I managed to delete a good portion of pictures from our ski trip and Josh's birthday.  Only my friend LL could realize the true severity of this situation and how my heart has a missing piece.  Grrrr!

And after the ski trip, we returned for Mr.P's Birthday the next day!  I had a great birthday idea for him, but weeks before his birthday he instructed that I better not even think about doing a party.  (This is sad news for someone who loves to plan such occasions)  However, considering that my man isn't into the party scene so much, I decided since it was his birthday we would do something more low-key.  I still had some element of surprise involved because he thought it would just be us doing dinner with our parents and brothers....but to his surprise, I did extend the invitation just a bit to more family.  Everyone had a great time, including the birthday boy himself!

My Mr. P with other Mr. P's -- his Dad & brother!

A local family was led to do something for the Haiti Disaster Relief, so I was pleased to get to be a part of their benefit event.  Since I work at the American Red Cross, I represented the chapter and the funds earned that are sent to Haiti.  The event was an evening of concerts featuring popular local bands.  The event raised over $13,000!  What a great way to have fun and support a worthy cause.  God bless the people in Haiti - I pray for their recovery!

Some of the ARC ladies working the tickets/contributions table prior to the concert. 

"Skip Bond & The Fugitives" was the last band performance of the night and the lead singer wearing this kilt earned $500 toward the Haiti Relief Benefit Fund!  Men of all ages will fall for a dare! :)

Unfortunately, my weekend plans did not include the sisterhood reunion in Lexington of many of my sorority sisters.  :(  I was so sad to miss this gathering but I definitely look forward to our next scheduled time together -- I plan to be there 100% -- it's not fun to miss out!

We did have a little delivery arrive at the bike shop that we picked up.....our new mountain bikes!  I know this picture appears upside-down, but it's actually the bikes hanging from hooks in the garage ceiling. (I failed to get a picture before they were hung.)  We took them for a quick spin, but it's so cold outside so we couldn't do it long.  We are looking forward to hitting the road (perhaps the neighborhood for starters) and burning some calories.

Our bikes stored in our garage.  Josh and Daddy hung the hooks and now the bikes fit perfectly!

Speaking of "burning calories," Family P has gained weight since "two became one."  EEK!  It came on slowly, so at first it wasn't a big deal.  However, we're both ready to take charge of our health and we're encouraging each other.  I've started back to going to the gym in the mornings before work.  Just a few days in and I'm already seeing a bit of improvement in my energy, alertness, and overall well-being.  Hopefully this trend continues and I don't burn-out as I previously have done.  I'm just thankful to have become concerned while it's still manageable.  It appears that I have gained about 8-9 pounds since we were married two years ago.  That might not seem like much over that amount of time, but it's bad news bears as far as I'm concerned.  Feel free to offer advice, tips, and encouragement!  I really don't have a bad diet, but my job requires so much sitting.....and I am certain that is exactly what has led to my gain.  I am doing cardio and strength training at the gym.  I'm no expert at all, just doing what seems right.  I feel like a "plan" would be great -- like a written workout of how many minutes for cardio, how many sets and reps, etc.  I need to do some more research in this area -- if you happen to know a good resource to share, I would appreciate it.  I know I could hire a personal trainer, but that is not something we plan to spend money on right now.  Mr. P also began his plan of action which also includes cardio and strength training.  This is not a New Years resolution, rather a decision that was important to make for ourselves.

I made this picture of the three remaining cupcakes left from Josh's birthday dinner.  For fun, I stacked them up and took a picture and then I tossed them in the garbage!  I'm not one for wasting food, but it was a smart decision to rid them of our home to help support our new health, fitness and nutrition goals.  If only it were always that easy to get rid of excess fat!  :)

Cupcake tower

The rest of this week and weekend remain fairly busy for us and the weather is calling for a big snow.  Oh geez.....I better join the rest of BG in stocking the pantry with lots of canned foods!  (Really.....I so need to do a grocery trip!)

Wishing you a blessed week!